The Eighth Tribe, 1980 (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1980-02-01 / 2. szám

February, 1980

THE EIGHTH TRIBE

Page 9

Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Advisory Commission

Gov. Dick Thornburgh of Pa. signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Advisory Commission and announced the appointments of Louis N. Skeparnias as executive director and Anthony W. Novasitis , Jr. as chairman of the newly formed board.

“The principles of democracy demand a commitment to the participation of all members of society in the decision-making profess by which they are governed,” Thornburgh said. “In a society as ethnically diverse as this one, understanding between people is the glue of our Commonwealth, and I am proud to establish this commission to promote that understanding.”

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has historically served as a homeland for people from nations of the world seeking a new life in freedom and dignity; and

WHEREAS, these people and their succeeding generations have made worthy contributions to the development and growth of this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the many cultural and ethnic communities of the Commonwealth enrich and revitalize American life by maintaining the best elements and values of their cultures and heritage which encourage a strong state and responsible government; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes its responsibility to foster the awareness, understanding and appreciation of the many and varied contributions to the quality of life made by the diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth desires to aid in securing the traditions and cultures of its ethnic people; and

WHEREAS, both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its diverse population have a vital interest to sustain those values for their mutual benefit and to provide a unity of purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Dick Thornburgh, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby establish the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Advisory Commission.

The commission, under the auspices of the Department of Community Affairs, will consist of more than 27 members who will reflect many of the diverse heritage groups in Pennsylvania. The purpose of the non-salaried, bipartisan hoard will be to express the

needs and concerns of ethnic communities throughout the state.

In addition, the commission’s charge will be to advise the governor on the commemoration of historical events, the accomplishments and contributions involving the ethnic community and the sponsorship and promotion of events and projects of historical, cultural and educational interest.

As executive director, Skeparnias will be the principal administrative officer and will report to the governor and the Secretary of Community Affairs on the activities of the commission. In addition, the executive director will develop special programs and develop policies and regulations for the commission and its members.

Skeparnias, 28, of York, is a former personal aide to Gov. Thornburgh. A 1973 graduate of California State College of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in constitutional law, Skeparnias was district assistant to U.S. Representative William F. Goodling (1977-78) and served as the congressman’s special aide from 1975 to 1976.

Active in community affairs, Skeparnias has served on the board of directors of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in York and was co-founder of the York Area Soccer Association. He also is committeeman with the University Club of York, and a member of the Exchange Club of York and the U.S. Congressional Staff Club in Washington, D.C.

Chairing the commission will be Philadelphia attorney Novasitis, 52, who has practiced law since 1956 and is a member of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations. He has served as general counsel to the National Republican Heritage Groups Council in Washington, D.C., the Lithuanian Music Hall and the National Lithuanian-Amercan Community of U.S.A., Inc.

Novasitis is vice president of the executive committee of the National Lithuanian-American Community of U.S.A., Inc., and is a member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Nationalities Service Center.

In addition to signing the executive order, Gov. Thornburgh expressed his intention to appoint persons as members of the commission with achievement standards set by their individual ethnic communities. Members of the various communities are invited to submit recommendations of qualified and responsible individuals to serve as members.

Personal resumes should be sent to the Heritage Affairs Office, 105 South Office Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120.